Rotation Depth
Astros sign Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai to three-year contract
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The Houston Astros have agreed to a three-year deal with Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, worth $54 million guaranteed and up to $63 million with incentives. The 27-year-old, posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions, brings a strong track record from Nippon Professional Baseball to bolster Houston's rotation. Imai's contract includes opt-outs after each season and performance bonuses based on innings pitched.
The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with free-agent right-hander Cody Ponce, sources confirmed. Ponce, 31, returns to MLB after a dominant 2025 season in the Korea Baseball Organization where he won MVP honors. This signing adds depth to Toronto's already strong rotation following their acquisition of Dylan Cease.
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The Toronto Blue Jays are set to pursue high-profile targets like Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker this offseason, but filling depth roles will be crucial. General manager Ross Atkins emphasized team flexibility in key areas such as the bullpen and rotation. Beyond splashy moves, bolstering the bench and pitching depth could determine their success in 2026.